CHENDA SOPHEA SOK, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, said the current picture of the world is grim. “Violent armed conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Myanmar and many other parts of the world rage on, despite efforts to de-escalate them,” he stressed, warning that with intensifying geopolitical tensions, any misstep in various flashpoints may trigger a regional or even global war, potentially involving nuclear weapons.  “Military spending has surged across the world, draining resources that could be used to address multiplying non-traditional threats,” he continued, referring to climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, technological disruptions, transnational crime and backsliding on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  “Cambodia hopes for a prompt end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, through diplomacy and dialogue based on equal respect,” he said, commending all efforts to de-escalate the fighting.

Turning to the Palestine-Israel conflict, he said his country remains committed to a two-State solution, condemning all acts of terrorism and calling for a dialogue to stop the ongoing war and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.  He expressed concern over the prospect of an all-out region-wide war in the Middle East against the background of the latest developments in Lebanon.  The crisis in Myanmar remains a serious concern, he said, emphasizing the need for humanitarian relief and a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political process aimed at lasting peace and reconciliation.  He opposed unilateral coercive measures.  “Sanctions and economic blockades disproportionately harm the most vulnerable and impede achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he noted, adding that, after years on the list of least developed countries, Cambodia looks forward to its expected graduation from this status by 2029.

Reaffirming that Phnom Penh values multilateralism, the rules-based international order and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, he urged to revitalize the UN and make it more robust and more proactive.  “The UN Security Council needs to be tailored to the twenty-first century and to be effective for today’s tasks, its composition must be more fairly representative,” he said, adding that his country is proud to play a significant role in global peacekeeping.  Since 2006, Cambodia has sent over 9,000 of its people to serve in eleven UN missions, including over 800 women, he noted.  Supporting relevant adjustments and reforms to increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and promote the agenda of women, peace and security and youth, peace and security, he said that for his country, sustainable and inclusive development means “no one and no place is left behind”.